Young people are being urged to get involved in helping Geelong become more connected and inclusive.
Research from the City of Greater Geelong has found 25 per cent of residents experience loneliness, but it jumps to 60 per cent of young people and 77 per cent of residents in mental health distress.
It has also found locals in Geelong’s northern suburbs and growth areas such as Armstrong Creek feel more isolated than other suburbs.
The council is now hoping to get locals aged 12 to 25 involved in a series of five workshops, looking at the issue of loneliness, and what can be done.
Junior Mayor Viggy Ram said it could be a difficult topic to bring up.
“We must do so openly – it’s a really important issue,” he said.
“We need to come together as a community to address it.”
Viggy said there were many reasons people felt lonely.
“It can be peer pressure, lack of familiarity about places, other people, even social media.”
Anyone interested in joining are being urged to click here for information.
